Multi-purpose deer-hunting cart

ABSTRACT

A hand operated utility cart with an extended handle assembly capable of supporting extra long loads. The preferred embodiment includes a kick stand allowing for a free standing, horizontally level cart, a curved handle bar assembly with a threaded aperture allowing the load to remain in a horizontal position during operation and a locking hand break system. The hand operated utility cart can be quickly broken down and reassembled to allow for easy transportation and storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Applicationserial No. 60/154,829 filed Nov. 12, 1999 incorporated herein byreference in its entirety.

[0002] This relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 430471, filed Jan.29, 1998 incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to new and useful improvements of handoperated utility carts and more particularly to a process fortransporting hunting game and equipment. It relates to hunting cartsused in transporting game from the hunting site.

[0004] The use of carts is known in the prior art. Carts have beenutilized for the purpose of transporting items. By way of example theprior art disclosed in the U.S. Pat. No. 5,673,928 to Jury a foldingportable cart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,295,556 to Mullin a multipurpose huntingcart, U.S. Pat. No. 5,492,196 to Michno a portable deer cart and treestand, U.S. Pat. No. 4,045,040 to Fails a deer stand and game carrier,U.S. Pat. No. 5,713,497 to Ponczek a deer carrier, Design Pat. No.391,734 to Melgey a cart for transporting harvested deer and Design Pat.No. 5,853,189 to Swartzlander a cart.

[0005] Prior hunting carts have had many disadvantages. One majordifficulty is that other hunting carts are too low to the ground. Thisresults in dragging the cart, hanging up on ground obstructions, andrequires excess strength for pulling the cart. Additionally previousdeer carts have had the main body of the cart built between the wheelsof the cart. This inhibits the loading of the deer onto the cart. Thedeer must be loaded carefully between the wheels and frequently moved toavoid rubbing by the wheels. Another difficulty has been load stability.

[0006] Specifically regarding Design Pat. No. 5,853,189 discloses acollapsible, two-tier cart with a ‘T’ bar handle assembly. In order tokeep the load from obstructing the wheels, this patent had toincorporate a two level design. This has resulted in excess weightdesigned into the cart. The straight ‘T’ bar design of the handleassembly places the load at an angle when transporting in a handoperated mode. This design results in the main body of the cart being onan incline causing the load to be off balance and making it difficult tomaneuver. This incline also makes it difficult to operator the cart in apush mode. In this design, the placement of the wheels on the outside ofthe main carrying deck results in the need for a wider cart to transportsimilar size loads.

[0007] Previous designs have had many flaws. The principle object ofthis invention is to provide a cart that provides easy maneuverabilityin both a pushing and pulling direction while maximizing load area andprovides load stability through the use of an extended handle assembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The primary object of the invention is to provide a machine thatallows for weight and balance stability. A further object of theinvention is to provide a machine with an extended handle assemblyallowing for full walking stride without striking foot heels againstcart. Other objectives of the invention are to provide a machine asnarrow as possible for maneuverability without sacrificing stability,that reduces back strain potential, that allows comfort in pulling, thateasily operates in a push or pull mode, that has clearance to overcomeground obstructions, that is quiet while being used, that assembles inminutes, that allows for easy loading/unloading, that breaks down forstorage and transportation purposes.

[0009] Another object of the invention is to allow for the load to belevel during operation, allow for easy break down by one person, toallow for one or two man operation.

[0010] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following descriptions, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, anembodiment of the present invention is disclosed.

[0011] In light of the above mentioned shortcomings of the known priorarts, the present invention was developed. The invention is a handoperated utility cart which includes an extended handle assembly capableof supporting extra long loads, a primary platform and a modifiedbicycle fork assembly.

[0012] The cart includes a single platform mounted on top of twoindependent front bicycle fork assemblies. An extended handle assemblyincludes a long rectangular member, a bicycle handle bar with stem, anextended kickstand and a hand lock breaking system secured to theplatform.

[0013] For a better understanding of the invention, its operatingadvantages and specific objectives of its uses, reference should be madeto the accompanying drawings along with its descriptive matter in whichthere is illustrated embodiments of the invention.

[0014] The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary embodiments to the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. It is to be understood that in some instances various aspects ofthe invention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a plan front view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a plan rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0018]FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 is a plan side view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a plan top view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a plan bottom view of the embodiment of FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a schematic transverse cross-section of a platform of asecond embodiment of the present invention.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the platformof the embodiment of FIG. 8.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a schematic transverse cross-section of a platform of athird embodiment of the present invention.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a schematic longitudinal cross-section of the platformof the embodiment of FIG. 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Detailed descriptions of the preferred embodiment are providedherein. It is to be understood, however, that the present invention maybe embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific details disclosedherein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a basis forthe claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in theart to employ the present invention in virtually any appropriatelydetailed system, structure or manner.

[0026] Turning first to FIG. 1 in which like reference numbers indicatelike elements, there is shown an exploded view of a cart 1 of thepresent invention. The cart includes a single platform 3, twoindependent front bicycle fork assemblies 5 and an extended handleassembly 7.

[0027] The platform 3 is typically about 1 to about 2½ feet above theground, preferable about 1½ to about 2 feet above the ground. Theplatform width is typically about 20 to 36 inches and its length isabout 2 to about 5 feet preferably about 30 to about 52 inches.

[0028] The platform 3 includes two ¾ inch box tubes which are 36 incheslong 2,4, six ¾ inch box tubes which are 24 inches long 6,8,10,12,14,16and three ¾ inch box tubes which are 12 inches long 18,20,22. Theseitems are joined by a rigid immobile relationship by welding. Overalldimensions of the platform 3 are 25½ inches by 36 inches but are notlimited to this size. Two holes are drilled through each member 2,4 1⅜inches from each side of center and two holes are also drilled throughmembers 18 and 22 about 1⅜ inches from each side of center. Two 1 inchby 1 inch angle irons which are 12 inches long 24,26 are also welded tothe bottom side of the main platform members 12, 14 and 16 about 1 inchon each side of center.

[0029] The platform 3 is shown as having a flat planar upper surface anda flat planer lower surface. However, in a second embodiment 200, thebars can be curved to form an upper surface having a concavecross-section in the transverse direction (FIG. 8) and a straightcross-section in the longitudinal direction (FIG. 9). In a thirdembodiment 300, the bars can be curved to form an upper surface having aconcave cross section in both the transverse direction (FIG. 10) andlongitudinal direction (FIG. 11). If desired the bars can be curved toform an upper surface having a straight cross-section in the transversedirection and concave cross-section in the longitudinal direction (notshown).

[0030] In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 shows twobicycle fork assemblies 5 secured with members 32,34,36,38, which aretypically 4 inch carriage bolts secured to the main platform. Eachindividual fork assembly 5 includes fork mounts 28,30 which are 3¼inches by 2 inches by ⅝ inch flat stock steel with a 1 inch hole throughits center and two ¼ inch holes through its sides which areperpendicular to the 1 inch center hole and each about 1⅜ inches fromcenter. The distance between each fork mount 28,30, and a respectivebolt securing a brake to the fork assembly 5 is typically a minimum of2½ inches. This will insure for proper clearance of the brake cable. Thefork mount 28,30 is joined to the bicycle forks, 40,42 by a rigidimmobile relationship by welding. Bicycle forks 40,42 are 20 inch frontbicycle forks but are not restricted to that size.

[0031] The wheel supports shown by FIG. 1 are U-shaped forks, and thereare no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in a space offrom ground level to a height of at least about 50% of the height of theplatform lower plane above the ground level. Preferably, there are noelements of the cart between the wheel supports in a space of fromground level to a height of at least about 75% of the height of theplatform lower plane above the ground level

[0032] In accordance with an important feature of the present invention,there is shown in FIG. 1, wheels 44,46 which are 20 inch wheels securedto the forks using a quick release skewer 74,76. The wheel size is basedupon the fork size used in the present invention.

[0033] To accomplish an important function of the invention, there isshown in FIG. 1, members 48,50 which are each an ATB Caliber Brake Setsecured to each fork assembly 5 by means of a 2¾ inch bolt 51 (Fig. 2)having a ¼ 20 thread and a ¼ 20 nut 53 (Fig. 3).

[0034] Turning to FIG. 7 brake cable steady mounts 60,62 each with athreaded hole, are permanently welded to members 24 and 26 atapproximately a 30 degree angle about 10 inches from the front bar 16 ofthe platform 3. A brake cable 100 extends from one brake set 48 (FIG. 1)through the two steady mounts, 60,62, to a second brake set 50 (FIG. 1).Secured to the brake cable 100 between the steady mounts 60,62 is a yokehanger mount 98. A second brake cable 102, which is secured to a yokehanger mount 98 at the side nearest the platform 3, runs through a thirdsteady mount 64 and is then attached to a locking hand brake 58.

[0035] In accordance with an important feature of the present invention,there is shown in FIG. 7 the extended handle assembly 7. The primarypiece is a 2 inch by 1 inch by 36 inch longitudinally arranged steel boxtubing 52. Two {fraction (5/16)}-inch holes, which go entirelytransversely through longitudinal tubing 52, are located about ½ inchand about 11½ inches from the front base 16 of the platform 3 and arefor securing the assembly to the angle iron members 24,26. A third holewhich is about ⅜ inches in diameter, goes through steel box tubing 52and is located about 6 inches from the transverse handle bar stemassembly 56. This third hole is used to secure the kickstand 54 to theextended handle bar assembly 7 by means of a 2½-inch bolt, having a ⅜inch 16 thread, and a ⅜ inch 16 nut. A smaller secondary screw isthreaded through the kickstand mount into main tubing 52 and is used toeliminate twisting and turning of the kickstand. A final {fraction(5/16)} inch hole is drilled into tubing 52, and member 96 (FIG. 7), a 1inch by 6 inch steel tube, which has been welded into the inner diameterof longitudinal tubing 52. A ¼ inch 20-flange nut 94 is welded to tubing52 with its center lining up with that of the final {fraction(5/16)}-inch hole as described above. A 1 inch long ¼ inch 20 threadedeye bolt 92 is then screwed into the flag nut 94 located on tubing 52.Eyebolt 92 penetrates through nut 94, tubing 52 and tube 96 and finallythe stem of the bicycle handle bar assembly 56. This helps to preventthe possible twisting of the bicycle handlebar assembly 56. Eyebolt 92can also be used to fasten a load that extends beyond the front of theplatform to the bicycle handlebar assembly 56.

[0036] Typically, the tubing 52 extends 2 to 3½ feet from the platformand the transverse handlebar stem assembly 56 has a U-shaped portion 57and handle portions extending from the U-shaped portion having handles88,90 and the locking hand brake 58 mounted o the handle portions. Alsotypically the transverse handle bar stem assembly 56 extends a distance“D” of about 5 to about 12, preferably about 6 to about 8 inches, abovethe longitudinal axis of the longitudinal tubing 52 (see FIG. 5).Handlebar assembly has a width “T” typically about 12 to about 30inches.

[0037] Still in FIG. 7 there is a 1 inch by 2 inch by ⅛ inch flat stocksteel plate, member 104, with a 1 inch hole drilled though the centerthat is welded to the end of tubing 52 at the end nearest the handle barassembly 56. The stem of the bicycle handlebar assembly 56 slidesthrough the hole of member 104 and into the 1 inch steel tubing 96. Thebicycle handlebar assembly 56 is secured to tubing 52 with an expanderbolt and wedge.

[0038] Turning now to FIG. 5, the final piece shows a small piece ofround stock member 110 ½ inch length ¼ inch diameter, welded to the kickstand mount to prevent the kick stand from going past perpendicular whenin use.

[0039] While the invention has been described in connection with apreferred embodiment, it is not intended to limit the scope of theinvention to the particular form set forth, but on the contrary, it isintended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and equivalents asmay be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as definedby the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A hand operated utility cart comprising: aplatform having a front end, a back end, and defining an upper surfaceand a lower surface; a longitudinal handle extending in a longitudinaldirection from the platform, the longitudinal handle having a distal endand a proximal end relative to the platform; a transverse handleextending transversely from the distal end of the longitudinal handle;wheel supports extending downwardly from the platform lower plane; arespective wheel rotatably mounted to each wheel support, each wheelmounted for the cart to travel in the longitudinal direction, the wheelsat least partially located beneath the platform lower plane.
 2. The cartof claim 1, further comprising a kick stand allowing for a freestanding, horizontally level cart; and a hand braking system; whereinthe transverse handle further comprises a curved handle bar assemblyallowing the load to remain in a horizontal position during operation;.3. The cart of claim 2, wherein the kick stand comprises a modifiedflattened bracket; a welded stop for single directional operation; aspring; and a washer slipped between the spring and the bracket foradded tension.
 4. The cart of claim 1, the transverse handle furthercomprising a curved handle bar assembly comprising of a threadedaperture; plus a bicycle handle.
 5. The cart of claim 1, furthercomprising dual brakes and a hand braking system comprising a singlehand brake for operating the dual brakes; a cable mount located underthe longitudinal handle; and a ‘Y’ cable system utilizing two cablesfunctionally connecting the single hand brake to operate dual brakes. 6.The cart of claim 1, wherein the wheel supports each comprise a bicyclefork assembly, wherein a first end of each fork assembly is connected tothe lower surface of the platform in proximity to a respective side endof the platform; the second end of each fork assembly being able toreasonably attach a wheel.
 7. The cart of claim 6, wherein each bicyclefork is attached to the platform by a respective hinge so that each forkcan pivot to fold alongside the platform.
 8. The cart of claim 1,wherein the wheels are entirely located beneath the platform lowersurface.
 9. The cart of claim 1, further comprising a kickstandextending downwardly from the longitudinal handle.
 10. The cart of claim1, further comprising a kickstand mounted to the longitudinal handlecomprising a mount attached to the longitudinal member and a movableextension member movable from an extended position at which it extendsdownwardly a given distance from the longitudinal handle to anunextended position away from the extended position.
 11. The cart ofclaim 1, further comprising a kickstand mounted to the longitudinalhandle comprising a mount attached to the longitudinal member and apivotable extension member pivotable from an extended position at whichit extends downwardly from the longitudinal handle to an unextendedposition at which it is substantially lying alongside the longitudinalmember.
 12. The cart of claim 1, wherein the platform upper surface isflat.
 13. The cart of claim 1, wherein the platform upper surface isconcave to have a concave transverse cross-section and a concavelongitudinal cross-section.
 14. The cart of claim 1, wherein theplatform upper surface has a concave shaped transverse cross-section.15. The cart of claim 1, wherein no members extend upwardly from theplatform upper surface.
 16. The cart of claim 1, further comprising arespective brake for at least two said wheels and a brake control foractivating at least one of the brakes.
 17. The cart of claim 1, whereinthe brake control comprises a brake handle attached to the transversehandle, the brake handle attached to a cable, the cable beingfunctionally attached to at least one of the brakes.
 18. The cart ofclaim 1, wherein the brake control comprises a brake handle attached tothe transverse handle, the brake handle attached to a cable, the cablebeing functionally attached to the brakes.
 19. The cart of claim 1,wherein the transverse handle comprises a U-shape portion having twoopposed ends and opposes transverse handle portions extending from eachend of the U-shaped portion.
 20. The cart of claim 1, wherein theplatform upper surface is flat and when the platform upper surface isparallel to the ground, the transverse handle has an uppermost portionabout 5 to about 12 inches higher above the ground than the platformupper surface.
 21. The cart of claim 1, wherein the platform uppersurface is flat and the transverse handle has an uppermost portion about5 to about 12 inches above the surface in which the platform uppersurface lies.
 22. The cart of claim 1, wherein the platform uppersurface is flat and the transverse handle has an uppermost portion about6 to about 8 inches above the plane in which the platform upper surfacelies.
 23. The cart of claim 1, wherein the platform has a length ofabout 30 to 52 inches, a width of about 20 to about 36 inches and theplatform lower surface is about 12 to about 30 inches above the ground.24. The cart of claim 1, wherein the wheel supports are U-shaped forks,and there are no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in aspace of from ground level to a height of at least about 50% of theheight of the platform lower surface above the ground level.
 25. Thecart of claim 1, wherein the wheel supports are U-shaped forks, andthere are no elements of the cart between the wheel supports in a spaceof from ground level to a height of at least about 75% of the height ofthe platform lower surface above the ground level.
 26. A hand operatedutility cart comprising: a platform having a front end, a back end, anddefining an upper surface and a lower surface; a longitudinal handleextending in a longitudinal direction from the platform, thelongitudinal handle having a distal end and a proximal end relative tothe platform; a transverse handle extending transversely from the distalend of the longitudinal handle; wheel supports extending downwardly fromthe platform lower surface; a respective wheel rotatably mounted to eachwheel support, each wheel mounted for the cart to travel in thelongitudinal direction; and a kickstand extending downwardly from thelongitudinal handle.
 27. A hand operated utility cart comprising: aplatform having a front end, a back end, and defining an upper surfaceand a lower surface; a handle comprising a longitudinal handle memberextending in a longitudinal direction from the platform, thelongitudinal handle having a distal end and a proximal end relative tothe platform and a transverse handle member extending transversely fromthe distal end of the longitudinal handle member; wheel supportsextending downwardly from the platform lower surface; a respective wheelrotatably mounted to each wheel support, each wheel mounted for the cartto travel in the longitudinal direction; and a respective brake for atleast two said wheels and a brake control attached to the handle foractivating at least one of the brakes.